INK PUBLIC RELATIONS

We’re hiring! Do you have what it takes?

INK PR Job Opening: PR Account Supervisor/Director

Years of Experience: 7 – 10

We are looking for a PR account supervisor or director with seven to ten years of experience in PR and/or marketing in the high tech and clean energy industries. This person lives and breathes their clients’ industries, thrives on providing sound counsel and creative solutions, understands the dynamic media markets in which our clients play and how to tell a fresh, newsworthy story, demands excellence from a team and, at the same time, can have a beer with them at the end of the day.  If you are our candidate, you love what you do and you could never see yourself doing anything else. You play well with others.  You possibly have a war story that involves CES or Walt Mossberg; bonus points for both. You know what CSP stands for and have a hankering to visit a wind farm; added bonus points if you own steel-toed boots. Your friends know as much about your clients’ technology as you do, and they are still your friends. You are bored of social media talk and interested in social media results. You are respected by your team, your clients and the media, all at the same time.  Are we asking too much? We don’t think so.

There is a lot of love at INK PR – for what we do, for the clients we work with and for each other. We’re still a relatively young (in our 8th year) and small (you make 10) company with a growing reputation for personalized client service, top-notch media relations (800 journalists voted INK best small tech agency for PRSourceCode Top Communicators 2010 award) and PR programs that exhibit the perfect blend of strategic counsel, creativity and common sense (finalist for PR News’ 2011 Small Agency of the Year). We work hard – very hard – but we also value work/life balance and enjoy ourselves along the way. We’re looking for someone who can bring new insights, experience and relationships to the table. You will make an impact on INK and we will make an impact on you.

Job responsibilities include:

Management of multiple accounts and teams consisting of 2 – 5 people

Day-to-day client relations as the main point of contact to provide strategic counsel, convey status, set expectations, manage budget, anticipate needs and adjust plans accordingly, and find solutions to problems

Team management, utilizing team strengths and available time in a way that motivates and ensures excellence and results

Media relations including setting media strategy, leveraging key media relationships and continuing to build new and top-tier ones

Educates clients on social media tools and strategy; utilizes social media channels for effective campaigns

Writing and editing of plans, messaging documents, pitches, press releases, blogs and bylines

Maintains and demonstrates a deep understanding of clients and their industries; teaches others

Manages account budgets and makes staffing recommendations

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or higher with 7 – 10 years of experience in PR and/or marketing in the high-tech and/or clean energy fields. Please send cover letter, resume, references and salary requirements to Adrienne Huebner at work@ink-pr.com.

Working with clean energy clients, I stay up-to-speed with the latest news about the energy industry, particularly the U.S. renewable energy industry. And as a relatively recent college graduate, university life is still fresh in my mind. Considering this, I have come to realize:

U.S. colleges and universities are leading proponents of sustainability and renewable energy.

These days, American colleges are not only judged by prospective students on their acceptance rates, student-teacher ratios and tuitions, but also on their levels of green-ness. The Princeton Review, for example, has introduced Green Ratings, which “evaluate colleges and universities on their environmentally-related policies, practices and academic offerings.” The Princeton Review now annually releases a Guide to the 311 Green Colleges, as well as publishes each school’s Green Rating in the annual guide, The Best Colleges.

Topping the 2011 Princeton Review Green Honor Roll are well-known schools like Harvard College, UC Berkeley and Yale, but being green isn’t limited to prestige. The list is saturated with lesser-known schools, such as Unity College in Maine. Unity College has adopted the moniker “America’s Environmental College,” boasting a Center for Environmental Education, using only Green Seal-certified cleaning products and, most notably, deriving 100 percent of its energy from renewable sources.

Unity College is among a vast network of colleges and universities pioneering the sustainability and renewable energy fronts. For example:

Dartmouth College in New Hampshire built a grid storage system that uses tanks of compressed air to store energy—and sparked SustainX, a company that recently received $14.4 million in funding from GE;

Wesleyan University in Connecticut generates its own energy from sources like wind, solar, geothermal, biogas and biomass;

American University in Washington, D.C. (my Alma Mater) recently opened a campus building that has been designated LEED Gold Certified—“the benchmark for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”—based on sustainable design and efficiency. Schools around the country are rushing to LEED certify their newest buildings;

Drexel University in Pennsylvania has arranged for cardio machines in its recreation center to produce 50 watt hours of energy over a 30-minute workout.

Colleges and universities throughout the U.S. are placing extreme importance on their green initiatives. Is it to bump up the schools’ rating on another prestigious list? To work toward states’ Renewable Energy Standards? To appease outspoken, environmentally-minded students? No matter the motive, these schools have become pioneers for sustainable practices and renewable energy. The renewable energy industry would be smart to look to these institutions for support. After all, they have the motivation, financial backing and innovative bright minds equipped to advance the industry.

Well, close, but not exactly – this is a play-by-play of a day in the life of this President (of INK PR) and about 15 minutes in the life of THE President (of the United States). Still, it’s amazing how much the latter can impact the former (in the form of work, tension, excitement). For prosperity’s sake:

Wednesday, January 26, Broadwind Towers facility, Manitowoc, WI

6:00 a.m. I’m in Wisconsin. At the Manitowoc Best Western. And I’m getting up at the crack of dawn not because my babies have woken me, but because today is the day my client has the honor of hosting the President of the United States. And while that is an amazing thing in and of itself, there is also the SLIGHTEST chance that I might get a glimpse, a nod or a (gasp) handshake. So what’s a girl to do? Get up as early as possible of course to try out a new eyeshadow strategy, get dressed up more than I ever do at home (still, my mother is mortified I’m not wearing a dress), and check last minute email.

Manitowoc, WI, from the plane. We don't get snow like this where I'm from.

7:15 a.m. Must be downstairs to defrost the ice off the black Expedition (Kari and I traveled Secret Service style) in 15 minutes. I’m thinking pony tail is the only way to go…my mother sits on my shoulder and screams “No way Jose!” in my ear. Flat iron it is.

7:45 a.m. In the car, ready to go. Pleased with my ability to deal with 17 degree weather and remain on time. Where’s Kari? Oh that’s her, coming around the corner from the back of the building now. Apparently, she got stuck inside a maze of hallways and elevators and had to exit the service entrance (mind you, this is a three-story Best Western in Manitowoc, WI). [NOTE: I'll be reminded later that I just sat there in the (running) car and watched her walk all the way across the parking lot. Apparently, I could have moved the car to pick her up - blame it on the day.]

8:00 a.m. Starbucks, sweet sweet Starbucks. Our black SUV is getting some looks – feels like the whole town is on edge. Light snow is coming down – pretty, but if we get stuck here tonight there will be hell to pay.

We traveled Secret Service style (special deal - same price as full-size).

8:15 a.m. Picking up printing at the local Office Depot. That was the SMOOTHEST print job I have ever been involved with. Again, the SUV at work for us or just a town with good customer service? You tell me.

8:30 a.m. It’s time – must get to the facility before “lock down.” Nervously walking on ice and snow – not my cup of tea, but I manage not to fall.

10:45 a.m. Can’t believe it’s already been two hours of running around, calling the media to get set up for post-visit, emailing, getting the press release finished, etc. You can feel the tension in the air and every minute it seems to get a little thicker.

11:15 a.m. Plans have changed, he’ll be here soon to beat weather headed to DC. It’s like there’s a buzz in the air. They want us to eat now (lunch was brought in), but who has the stomach for that? Media all lined up for later so we’re feeling good about our work, able to enjoy the moment. Picture time!

11:30 a.m. Pat down (again). Secret Service (men and 1 woman – I think she’s wearing the same “pant suit” as me ) everywhere. I must say, I think NFL quarterbacks and Secret Service men have that symmetrical face thing in common.

Secret Service (yes, I took a picture) keeping the crowd in line.

12:00 p.m. This side or that side? We’re three deep behind Broadwind Towers employees (rightly so!), but Kari is scouting for a better position. We’re going to the other end, fingers crossed!

Prepping for POTUS.

12:10 p.m. POTUS IS IN THE BUILDING!!!

12:15 p.m. SO QUIET. Weird. He’s coming, he’s coming. Okay, now there is clapping and cheering. Guy in front of me hands me his phone to get a picture of him and the President. Unfortunately for him, when the President comes by I lose all ability to multi-task and can only reach out my hand. Lucky for me, a handshake and a smile! Crazy. Oh, here’s your phone – sorry!

President Obama reaching for my hand (photo taken by woman behind me).

12:20 p.m. That was FAST. And weirdly emotional. I’m giddy and laughing over a handshake. Granted, it was a handshake with the leader of the free world, but still. And now it’s over and we’re headed to the phones to talk to the media – a few have arrived already.

3:00 p.m. Interviews done, execs feeling good, everyone is ready to put their feet up (an AMAZING amount of work was completed in just five days – including a brochure piece we wrote last night in 30 minutes, with design assist from the marketing director). We are OUTTA HERE! (Good thing since we have an all-day media training tomorrow – no rest for the weary. )

GOODNIGHT WISCONSIN! You were lovely, hope to see you again soon. Oh and you Mr. President – would be happy to see you again soon as well.

I was recently asked by a college student what I did in college that helped prepare me for my career in PR. Thought I’d share with all of you – and get your answers to that question too as I’m sure we all had different paths to getting where we are today, all relevant and interesting. Here’s what I did:

Worked on the college newspaper. No question, this was hands-down one of the most helpful things I did to prepare me for my PR career.

Took sociology and psychology classes as electives. In this career, it’s a great thing to have insight into how groups work together and how people work, period.

I should have interned more. I worked two jobs to pay for school (in retail and banking) and while that prepared me for hard work, responsibility, juggling priorities and working with different people, it didn’t give me a PR internship on my resume that is pretty much a requirement these days, at least when I’m on the hiring end.

Oh and I didn’t go to school when it rained. I live in Austin, TX, so this wasn’t that often – if you live in Seattle, I would advise against this.

Please reply with your thoughts – I’d like to give the inquiring student as much feedback as possible!

We’re 7! Hard to believe. Good things come in 7s:

I have 7 amazingly smart and dedicated colleagues. And we’re looking for someone else to join our team – if you’re smart and dedicated too, send a note to info@ink-pr.com, attention Adrienne.

We have 7 wicked cool clients who are doing exciting things in the areas of clean and high tech. Looking forward to a strong year with ACCIONA, the Bluetooth SIG, Broadwind Energy, Create with Context, Gemalto, and Nuventix. Already in Q1 we’ve done media and event work at CES, we’re working on a customer relations program, a media training, a messaging matrix project, a product launch, a dedication event, a messaging rollout in conjunction with an employee communications program and of course media and analyst relations.

And we’re looking forward to multiples of 7 more years. Go INK – HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

INK founders, the day we moved into first office.

It is no surprise that Austin prides itself on being a leader in the green industry. We are often topping the charts of U.S. cities doing their part to reduce the national carbon footprint. So when 75,000 music-lovers pack into Zilker Park for a 3-day festival each year, the city of Austin really has to step up their game. I have to say, this year I think they did a fantastic job.

Walking into the park grounds, it was hard to not be impressed with the amount of bikes lining the roads. I’m lucky enough to live within walking distance of the grounds, but was slightly jealous of those cruising past me on my trek to Barton Springs. With thousands of bike rack spaces available, it was pretty awesome to see the entire lot full. Green power at its finest…and a great way to burn those calories from the Imperials and Mighty Cones.

How else did ACL go green?

Rock and Recycle: Fill one green plastic bag with cans and water cartons and receive a free ACL souvenir t-shirt. This was the trade-in at Rock and Recycle, a program aimed at keeping this year’s ACL show 100% carbon neutral.

Refillable Water Stations: Free water refilling stations were available for attendees to refill their own bottles (or purchase an ACL aluminum container), keeping piles of plastic bottles from collecting all over ACL Festival grounds, AND keeping music fans hydrated.

Chip in and Offset: For those wanting to go that extra mile, a $3 ACLMF Green Mountain Energy fan tag could be purchased to offset your travel to/from the show. This $3 gets you 300 kWh of renewable energy credits which offsets 339 pounds of CO2 emissions that contribute to global warming. Putting that into perspective – the equivalent of:

- Not driving a car 433 miles, or

- Not flying 1375 miles, or

- The annual eco-benefit of 24 trees

Jamming out for 3 days while helping to keep our city green? Rock on, Austin.

INK Public Relations Takes Home PR’s “People’s Choice” Award

Journalists Vote INK Tops; INK’s Starr Baker Receives Individual Shout Out

AUSTIN, Texas, September 21, 2010 – Chants of “We’re number one! We’re number one!” echoed through the halls of the Whitney Building here in Austin this morning as news of INK PR’s top agency award win spread throughout the company. The boutique PR agency is the best small tech agency in the nation according to PRSourceCode’s fifth annual survey of over 800 journalists.

“For the reporters we work with every day to say they like how we do what we do – well, that’s reason to celebrate,” said Starr Million Baker, president and co-founder of INK PR.

Baker had cause for a second glass of champagne: the winning agency’s leader also received individual honors for her work with the media community.

Vice President and Co-founder Kari Hernandez said: “Starr and I started INK to provide PR with a personal touch and do it better than anyone else. These awards are confirmation that we’re doing just that. Thanks to our clients for the privilege of telling their stories and to our journalist friends for listening. Congratulations to our talented staff and to Starr especially for this well-deserved honor.”

Founded in 2004, INK PR has flourished over the past two years despite the economic downturn, with a 60 percent growth in staff, near perfect client retention and the addition of several new clients and a clean energy practice. INK clients consist of leaders in the technology and clean energy industries including the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), Austin-based Gemalto and Nuventix, and ACCIONA Energy North America to name a few.

About the Awards

PRSourceCode, an IT-focused content service provider connecting the public relations, journalism, conference and industry accolade communities, based the results of its Top Tech Communicators awards on a nationwide survey of more than 800 journalists and bloggers from IT and business publications, including eWEEK, Wired, PCWorld and more. The 5th annual survey, conducted in Q2 2010, asked editors to name their “top” PR agency and individual PR professional, based on responsiveness, knowledge of the industry, knowledge of the journalist’s individual preferences and more. INK PR was named the nation’s number one agency in the small size category; Starr Million Baker was voted as one of the nation’s Top 20 Tech Communicators for her individual efforts. More information about this year’s Top Tech Communicators can be found at http://www.prsourcecode.com/page/2010-top-tech-communicators.

About INK Public Relations

INK PR is the boutique agency of choice for brands big and small in the technology and clean energy industries. INK’s PR specialists bring energy, efficiency and effectiveness to every campaign, along with a desire and ability to understand our clients’ business goals and the industries in which they compete. By combining strategic planning, creativity, and common sense, INK gets clients what they’re really after – the right kind of “ink” that positively impacts business. INK PR: turning ideas into INK.